Funniest Travel Story ... Amsterdam

Arriving in Amsterdam on the first day, we were unaware much of Amsterdam, in fact all of it, spoke fluent English. We were stuck on a train not understanding their tram system, got lost for over an hour and a half after paying 12 euros each for a trip into central Amsterdam. Eventually I spotted a train headed for "Station Centraal" and insisted we go there. After losing a wheel on my luggage while dragging it through Central Station at least 8 times, I finally ended up with 2 beautiful RFID cards for 7.50 euro each to board the tram which would take us to the hotel. Evidently, the 7.50 euro turned out to be a fee for the card which would last five years and there was no inherent value on the card until you add additional funds.

Frustrated, we eventually made it to the hotel by buying a one time pass thanks to some nice advice from a local who saw hopelessness in our eyes. We were then directed to the office for these pretty cards and when asked who gave them to us, we explained that we were tourists and bought them, the clerk smiled politely and said... well they're nice cards!

Now we can return to Amsterdam anytime in the next 5 years and still use the public transit!